Arizona Cardinals: Grades vs Chicago Bears
By Scott Allen
Sep 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) outruns Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould (9) for a 108 yard touchdown kick off return during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Special teams:
A mixed bag here. There were good moments and not so good moments. The game started off with a special teams gem when running back/kick returnerDavid Johnson returned the opening kickoff 108-yards for a touchdown. It was the longest play in Cardinals franchise history and amongst the longest in NFL history.
Punter Drew Butler put two of his three punts inside the 20 yard line. It isn’t always about yards but where you are putting the opposing offense on the field. Butler did what was asked of him.
Receiver/punt returner J.J. Nelson muffed a punt late in the first half that thankfully only resulted in a Bears field goal. Nelson suffered a shoulder injury and will be out 2-4 weeks according to the Cardinals on Monday.
Kicker Chandler Catanzaro. I realize the extra points have been moved back to a 33-yard try. I mean, we can’t seem to go a single attempt without an announcer reminding us of this fact. Cat Man missed an extra point after the final touchdown. In the grand scheme of things it isn’t that big of a deal up 25 points. However, there will be close games and the Cardinals will need his accuracy.
Grade: B-